Sacrifices

"No. I've got to buy it from you for a good price; I'm not going to offer God, my God, sacrifices that are no sacrifice." (2 Samuel 24:24) 

This is what David said to Araunah the Jebusite, in purpose of buying Araunah's threshing floor in order to stop God's wrath upon Israel. The King needed to make sacrifices to ease up the heart of God.

We should feel the sacrifices when we offer something, especially if we need to make up for our mistakes. Luckily, we live in the period of grace when God does not condemn people at once - He is saving all His wrath for the judgment day. Therefore, we don't have to worry about trying to please God to be saved. We are only saved by His grace and not our works. However, it is in God's nature in liking to see us honoring Him with our offerings. Offerings show the sincerity of our love towards God, I would say.

In bringing back the offerings, we have two options:  to give something within our power and we don't feel anything or to give something precious to us but we know that God would like it.

I remember a friend of mine said to me, "Give 'til it hurts."

The best gift is the one that hurts us most.

Friends, gifts have been a symbol of love for thousands of years, that is why the reflection of how you give could indicate on how deep is your love toward somebody. Have you loved him as much? Are you feeling the pain of loving somebody? Be courageous. Love with all you've got. God, the source of all love, will surely refill you with His eternal love.

Sincerely,
R